A new study from the University of Granada has reignited concerns about chemicals found in everyday products and their possible effect on children’s development.

The research, published in the European Journal of Pediatrics, found that girls with higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA) and benzophenones in their bodies were more likely to enter puberty early or to show premature breast development, known medically as thelarche.

BPA is used in plastics, resins and packaging materials, while benzophenones act as ultraviolet filters in sunscreens, cosmetics and other personal care products.

What the analysis found

The study involved 310 girls aged four to eight from six Spanish hospitals. Of these, 182 had been diagnosed with precocious puberty or premature thelarche, meaning early breast development, while the remaining 128 showed no such signs and served as the control group.

Researchers tracked phenolic compounds and various metals in the girls’ urine. The results showed that for every doubling of BPA levels detected, the risk of showing any sign of early puberty rose by 44%.

For precocious puberty specifically, the increase reached 69%, while for premature thelarche it stood at 29%. In the case of benzophenones, higher levels were linked to roughly three times the risk of precocious puberty.

When scientists examined the combined mixture of phenols and metals together, the likelihood of early puberty rose by 20%, with BPA appearing to be the largest contributor to that association.

Everyday substances with hormonal effects

These chemicals fall into the category of endocrine disruptors, substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of the hormonal system.

BPA and benzophenones can, to some extent, mimic the action of oestrogens. This activity is considered one possible mechanism through which they could accelerate sexual development in girls.

The study’s authors note that although the European Union banned the use of BPA in food contact materials from January 2025, sources of exposure remain numerous, and it is not yet clear whether current levels are safe for children.

The researchers stress that the study does not suggest every product containing such substances leads to early puberty. It does, however, underline that everyday contact with these chemicals is not negligible, particularly for children at critical stages of development.